Category: Sporting 4x4s 
Price Range: £32,795 to £32,795
High levels of refinement, long list of standard specification.
Feels off the pace, woeful handling, crude ride, lacks crucial diesel option.
Undercuts rivals with price, but not with quality or drive.
Earlier in the year we had the chance to sample some advance US-spec versions of the Murano ahead of the European launch. Back then we came away very disappointed with the handling. Engineers promised they were working on a fix for more European tastes and said revised damping rates and stiffened springs would transform the Murano. They haven't.
At high speed the Murano is exceptionally quiet and refined, insulating occupants from harsh and poorly surfaced roads with a supple ride. Slow down and things deteriorate. It feels as though the dampers struggle to tie the Murano down as bumps intrude, giving rise to harshness.
Reach a bend and the amount of body roll is a little alarming compared to the new breed of 4x4s and particularly uncomfortable due to an almost complete lack of support in the driver and passenger seats.
In almost all situations the i-Mode 4x4 system means the Murano acts as if it is front-wheel drive, only shuffling torque backwards when sensors deem necessary. On the roads we drove it was difficult to detect the system was at work. Even the new rear suspension arrangement offers uninspiring handling.
Instead, the Murano impresses with its high levels of refinement. Engineers have worked hard to ensure the Nissan is now Lexus quiet at speed and have also improved the CVT Xtronic transmission dramatically. Prod the accelerator and the 'box even kicks down. Unnecessary, but it feels more natural for those used to a conventional auto. The Murano is also smoother at low speed and less prone to mimicking a car with a slipping clutch. In any case, it will take some getting used to after a conventional automatic gearchanges.
Time has moved on and the Murano's engine - a highlight of the old car - no longer hits the spot. Now, it feels unsuitable for the 1.8-tonne kerbweight it has to drag around. Despite packing 253bhp, the 3.5-litre delivers its maximum 246lb-ft of torque at a lofty 4,400rpm - fine in a sports car - but not so good here meaning plenty of revs are needed for good progress. The V6 remains almost as rorty as it is in the 350Z, but at strangely at odds with the new relaxed nature of the Murano.
